An apartment with a small yard (or no yard at all) doesn’t mean you can’t keep a dog. Of course, you would obviously need to consider your neighbors and if the dog would disturb them but there is no real reason why you couldn’t have a dog in your apartment.

There are certain breeds that don’t bark a lot and these would be naturally more suited to living in an apartment.

Certain breeds adapt well to new surroundings, are well-behaved and calm and this makes them perfect for apartment life.

If you are a dog lover and want to find the perfect breed to join you in your apartment, take a look at the below list of the best breeds for small homes.

1.    Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a hairless breed and is one of the best dog breeds for apartment living. The Chinese crested is such a playful, cheerful and gentle dog. It loves pleasing its owners and is always comfortable around the family. Unlike other dogs, Chinese crested dogs seldom bark for no reason. Your neighbors won’t even know that you have a dog!

2.    Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a very friendly dog and loves to play. You may want to consider adopting one as they are very gentle, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs are also very sociable, energetic and are known for doing well in small spaces, such as apartments. They are not dogs that require a lot of exercise, but a daily walk may be a good thing.

3.    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very playful and patient breed that is eager to please. They can adapt well to various homes, love to cuddle and don’t mind living in apartments. They love spending time in their owner’s lap and especially love belly rubs. Living in a small apartment will never be an issue with this breed, especially if you are home a lot.

4.    Maltese

Maltese dogs are beautiful and affectionate dogs that are best owned in a small apartment. Maltese do not shed a lot at all, which makes them a very good choice for people who are allergic to dogs. Their fur is pure white and tends to get quite dirty outside.  They are known for their intelligence, companionship and being great show dogs. Maltese do tend to suffer from separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for homebody type owners.

5.    Brussels Griffon

A lively and affectionate breed, the Brussels Griffon is a good, active apartment dog with a great sense of humor. They love spending time with their owners and are sensitive and highly-strung. Although, they are not very patient, they love playing and relate well with other animals in the apartment. This makes them perfect for apartment living.

6.    French Bulldog

An exceptional apartment dog, the French Bulldog rarely barks. They are patient and affectionate with their owners and are also known for living peacefully with other breeds. French Bulldogs also love to play, but also enjoy relaxing on the sofa. They make fantastic family friends, thriving on human contact. If they are reared as companion, they will thrive in a small apartment as they require close contact with humans.

7.    Pugs

Pugs are known for being very sociable and great companion dogs. They are suitable for families with children and can be very quiet and docile.  As playful as they are , pugs are considered to be one of the best dog breeds for apartments. They love to be cared for and they are exceptionally watchful too. If you need a companion who is extremely loyal and who won’t mind living in an apartment, a pug is one of the best breeds to consider.

8.    Boston Terrier

Gentle in nature with a friendly personality, this breed (as the name suggest) originates from the city of Boston. It is therefore no surprise that this breed flourishes and adapts well in an urban environment. Boston terriers also have a great sense of humor, are sociable, and can be easily trained. They are generally very quiet and bark only when necessary. They enjoy being around people and get along well with children.

9.    Papillon

Papillons are happy, adventurous and friendly dogs. They are neither aggressive nor shy, making them excellent family dogs that can be kept in an apartment.

10.Bullmastiff

Strong, powerful and sensitive, bull mastiffs were historically trained as guard dogs. Bull mastiffs are natural guardians of their home and owners and are known for their obedience, agility and tracking. They have low energy levels and are happy to be inside all day, with or without access to a fenced yard.

Although there are many dog breeds who can do well in an apartment, the above are the most suitable. When choosing a dog, we recommend considering the breed’s friendliness, energy levels and, most importantly, how much noise they are likely to make.